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Media studies major named student marshal

August 2, 2010

Media studies major named student marshal

A media studies major from Pittsburgh will serve as student marshal for the College of Communications at Penn State during summer commencement exercises on Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Jonathan Chorle, 26, enrolled at Penn State as an adult learner after five years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and will complete his college career with a 3.99 grade-point average. Jonathan selected the international option that accompanies his major.

Chorle will be escorted by faculty marshal Anthony Olorunnisola, professor and head of the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies.

“Professor Olorunnisola embodies many of the characteristics of a professor I hoped to encounter when I enrolled in college at Penn State,” Chorle said. “Professor Olorunnisola’s global experiences and his insightful world knowledge truly brought the course to life and broadened my perspectives of the world.”

While in the Marine Corps, Chorle served as data technician and an embassy guard. After graduation, he plans to return to work as a government contractor guarding embassies overseas to save money for law school. “I am excited to return overseas with the knowledge I gained from my courses at Penn State.”

During his time of military service, Chorle was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, and at the embassies in: Jakarata, Indonesia; Prague, Czech Republic; and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. While working as an embassy guard, Chorle was selected for special duty assignments for Colin Powel, Condoleezza Rice, and George W. Bush.

“My service in the Marine Corps really opened my eyes to the rest of the world and my education at Penn State helped me to better understand all of my experiences. I am truly grateful to all of the many remarkable professors that put the extra effort into making their classes great learning experiences.”